Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde admits they must be careful with their January plans.

The futures of Carles Alena and Arturo Vidal remains unclear ahead of the January transfer window, but Valverde insisted that he is relying on them both after starting the pair for victory against Alaves.

"I really appreciate the contribution of the two," he noted.

"We are fortunate to have many options in the middle third.

"They have been very good. They will be with us at the beginning of the year.

"I'm counting on them, of course."